The best elves in Final Fantasy

Key conclusions

• The original interpretations of elves in Final Fantasy include Elvaan and Elesen, exhibiting different characteristics.
• Characters like Queen Arbor and Lunera challenge traditional elven stereotypes by offering depth and development.
• Archbishop Thordan IV subverts typical elven traits by being a power-hungry antagonist that defies the player's expectations.

While the fantasy genre teems with originality, elves have become its mystical foundation – from the works of J. RR Tolkien to Older scrolls franchise. Just as out of the box as Square Enix Final Fantasy series can sometimes get off, the genre-defining JRPG is no different.

Including the more traditional images of common and dark elves Final Fantasy the franchise also included several original interpretations of characters such as the humans Elvaan and Elesen.

8 Queen Arbor

A child-like queen of the forest-dwelling people

Slightly sassy and mischievous at first glance, Queen Arbor from the town of the same name has an innate dislike of humans and halts players' progress in Final Fantasy: Four Heroes of Light. Her hot-tempered nature and tendency to lash out, turning people into animals, can endear her to players. However, she eventually helps the party after peace is somewhat restored.

The matriarch of the forest elf race, the silver Arbor Queen, evolves as the player interacts with her. This ranges from being completely uninterested in their plight, to not only returning her magic, but helping them use Lux, the best White Magic spell in the game. In addition to proving their resilience, players see Queen Arbor's mistrust soften and relations between humans and elves reopen.

7 Lunar

A powerful but kind elf of lore and legend

Existence as a historical character within Final Fantasy Brave ExviusLunara is not only shown to be a kind and skilled warrior, but is also polite to other non-elven races. Lunara's leadership and outspokenness, primarily developed through her portrayal in the story event A Promise Through Time, inspires her people, even if it still leads to her untimely death.

Her actions cemented her as a figure in the mythos of her culture for over 700 years, as she is depicted with the belief that elven people have a responsibility to act as moral helpers to humanity, rather than being despised in comparison to the rest of her race. Lunara eventually dies of an illness, her kindness and understanding set her apart from many of her elven contemporaries. Final Fantasy Brave Exvius and throughout the franchise as well.

6 Gramps / Freyr King of the Elves

A rude intruder turned into a benevolent elven monarch

• First appearance: Final Fantasy Dimensions
• Released: September 6, 2010
• Developer: Matrix software
• platforms: FOMA 903i, iOS, Android
• genre: Role playing game

When Grandpa first meets the players around the campfire in the dead of night, many will be wary, especially when confronted with his blindness, amnesia, and lecherous behavior. However, this gruff old man turns out to be none other than the much-loved and respected king of the elves, Fryer.

Although his rudeness is startling, the eventual revelation of his true identity shows the contrast between his alter ego and his royal heritage. A highly skilled archer and selfless leader, his bait-and-switch reveal continues to be a highlight Final Fantasy Dimensions' a story.

5 Prince of Elfheim

An original introduction to elves in the Final Fantasy franchise

Perhaps one of the most notable examples of an elven character in the Final Fantasy franchise, the Prince of Elfheim plays an integral role in the series' opening title story.

A dark elf, Astos, seemingly cursed into eternal sleep, players are tasked with awakening him with a tonic. Adored by his people, who helped him as much as possible during the five years he was in power, he gives the Warriors of Light a Mystic Key that not only aids them in the plot of their adventures, but can open additional rooms and doors throughout the game.

4 Fourcheneau Leveler

A powerful charlatan who maintains tradition despite the necessary intervention

As the intelligent and powerful Mage at the heart of the Charlaine Forum, Fourcheneau is an integral conduit through which players Final Fantasy 14 can learn more about the nation in the Northern Void. A Wildwood Elesen, he preaches the ideals of wisdom and reason while maintaining a stunningly stoic stance of pacifism.

Although he proclaims that he strives to uphold the traditions and culture of his people, he interacts with the player and other characters in a soft and gentle manner. However, the players see this personality change when he is questioned by the children and Charlayan's non-interference is questioned. Despite retaining typical elven values, Fourcheneau evolves over time Final Fantasy 14's Shadowbearers and Endwalker expansions, culminating in him joining the player's party and providing incredibly powerful magic during their battle during the Forgotten Glory RPG Quest.

3 Haurchefant Greystone

Fan favorite Elesen Lord meets a warrior's end

Despite his noble upbringing as Lord of House Footamp, Haurshfant Greystone's openness and concern for strangers belies not only his upper-class upbringing, but also the superiority commonly seen in elven characters in fiction. Additionally, his sincere yet romantic optimism has made him a fan favorite companion Final Fantasy 14which makes his heroic death all the more devastating.

His well-intentioned character is strengthened in due course during the story Final Fantasy 14's The kingdom is reborn expansion in front of him protecting the player from Sir Zephyrin's spear of light in the Final Fantasy 14: Heavensward turns out to be fatal. Although he dies in the player's arms, his spirit does take the form of his sword and shield in defense against the Descendants of the Seventh Dawn during Final Fantasy 14fourth extension, Endwalker.

2 Come on

A smart, fast-maturing Elvaan

Impulsive, rambunctious, and profane, Prishe is depicted as incredibly different from the other Elvaan people in Final Fantasy 11.

Plays a key narrative role in the game Chains of Promatia expansion, Prishe goes through perhaps one of the most tumultuous periods of character development of any elven character in the franchise. Christened the Eye of Altana, she is hated by the other members of her race. However, she is ultimately cherished by her people later when she helps them escape during the violent fall of Taunesia. In addition to this, she also struggles with the ideas of self and meaning, as her immortality is stripped away when Cardinal Mildaurion's control over her thoughts is removed.

1 Archbishop Tordan IV

A power-hungry twist on elven character tropes

While the image elf-like characters of Final Fantasy varies greatly from person to person, they are often portrayed as good and moral beings. So when Archbishop Tordan IV is introduced as the stern but fair elderly leader of Ishgard, many players may have taken his appearance at face value.

However, behind the wise and caring appearance of the elderly Elesen is the face of the main antagonist Final Fantasy 14's The heavens expansion. Revering dictatorial power, Tordan is power-hungry and lies, even putting his own son in the line of fire as he pursues his goal of becoming a god-king. Condemning the innocent is commonplace for power-hungry villains, but as an elf-like character, Thordan lives up to player expectations and becomes perhaps one of the franchise's best surprise villains.